Introduction
When you hear experienced bettors talk about "EV" or "positive EV bets," it might sound complicated. But EV — short for Expected Value — is simply a way to measure if a bet is worth making in the long run.
If you want to stop betting based on gut feeling and start betting smarter, understanding EV is essential. And don't worry — we'll keep it beginner-friendly.
What Does EV Mean?
Expected Value (EV) shows the average amount you can expect to win or lose on a bet if you made the same bet many times.
Positive EV (+EV)
Good bet
You're likely to profit long-term
Negative EV (-EV)
Bad bet
The sportsbook has the edge, you'll lose long-term
EV Example: A Coin Flip Game
Imagine flipping a fair coin:
Fair Coin Flip (0 EV)
• Heads = you win $100
• Tails = you lose $100
This is a 0 EV bet — over many flips, you break even.
Better Coin Flip (+EV)
• Heads = win $110
• Tails = lose $100
That's a +EV bet, because the payouts are tilted in your favor.
How Sportsbooks Use EV
Sportsbooks always add vig (juice) to tilt EV in their favor. For example:
True 50/50 odds should be +100 each side
Sportsbook lists them at -110 each side → now the EV is negative for you, positive for them
Example: EV Bet Slip
BETCHEKR
BET SLIP
Pick: Raptors Moneyline
Odds: +150
Sportsbook: Caesars
Your predicted probability (45%) is higher than the sportsbook's (40%).
Why Beginners Should Care About EV
EV keeps you from betting blindly — no more random gut picks
You learn to compare what the sportsbook is implying vs what's realistic
Long-term winning bettors only chase +EV spots
Pro Tip: Even if you lose a +EV bet, it was still the right decision. EV is about long-term profitability, not individual results.
How BetChekr Helps
Here's the problem: doing EV math manually takes time. That's why most beginners never use it.
BetChekr does it automatically:
Upload your bet slip → BetChekr removes vig
See instantly if your bet is +EV or -EV
Get a clear verdict: "Good Value" or "Bad Value"
💡 In short: EV is the math behind smart betting, and BetChekr runs it for you in seconds.